10 Garbage Disposal Tips: Keep Your Kitchen Running Smoothly

Maintaining a garbage disposal is essential to ensure your kitchen remains a clean and efficient space.
Consider John G., who had a great experience with Air Experts: “Harrison did a great job… [and] was on time, efficient, and cleaned up everything when he was done. Great service for my garbage disposal install” [2]. This shows the importance of proper installation and maintenance to keep things running smoothly.
Understanding Your Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal is a powerful kitchen tool, but it requires proper handling to function well. Typically located under your kitchen sink, this device helps process kitchen waste, reducing the garbage that ends up in the landfill.
Key features to remember include:
- Motor power: Most disposals have motors ranging from 1/3 to 1 horsepower. Choose according to your usage needs.
- Grind stages: Single-stage grinders are common, but multi-stage grinders ensure waste is finely ground, reducing clogs.
Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal
Regular maintenance and thoughtful use can prevent many common issues associated with garbage disposals.
Dos:
- Run cold water: Always run cold water before, during, and after use. This helps solidify any grease, allowing it to be chopped up and flushed away without clogging the pipes.
- Use it regularly: Frequent use prevents rust and corrosion and ensures that parts remain in good working order.
- Throw away leftovers: Throwing out leftovers and scraps in the trash before cleaning your plate helps lessen your garbage disposal’s workload.
Don’ts:
- Avoid non-food items: Never dispose of glass, plastic, or metals.
- Limit starchy or fibrous foods: Foods like potato peels, celery, and corn husks can wrap around the blades and lead to jams.
- Don’t use hot water: It can melt any fats, causing clogs further down the line.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When your garbage disposal stops working, simple troubleshooting steps can often restore it to working order:
- Strange noises: Turn it off and check for foreign objects. Use tongs to retrieve anything stuck in the blades.
- Power loss: Check the reset button underneath the disposal unit; it may have tripped.
- Persistent clogs: A manual turn using a hex wrench can clear minor jams.
Air Experts can be an invaluable resource if issues persist. As expressed by one satisfied customer, “I was impressed with [the technician’s] knowledge,” which quickly resolved a complex issue[0].
Professional Installation & Maintenance
Having your disposal professionally installed can make a significant difference in its long-term performance. Air Experts offers installation and regular maintenance, which cover every detail of garbage disposal care[4].
One customer, recalling their installation service, praised the team’s punctuality and thoroughness: “They scheduled us in quickly, and service and communication were excellent” [3]. This kind of dedication ensures that your kitchen’s disposal is installed correctly and maintained in optimal condition.
Keep Your Disposal Fresh
To keep your disposal odor-free, use citrus peels or a vinegar and baking soda mixture. These natural cleaners help eliminate odors without damaging the unit.
Here’s a quick recipe for freshness:
- Ice cubes and salt: Grind a few ice cubes with rock salt to clean and sharpen the blades.
- Citrus peels: Follow with citrus peels to add a fresh scent.
Why Choose Air Experts?
Air Experts stands out for their exceptional customer service and commitment to timely, reliable services. Backed by a Super Seven Guarantee, which includes performance satisfaction, they ensure your needs are met efficiently.
Remember that regular maintenance can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
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